Path marking and lighting system

ABSTRACT

A path way marking and lighting system utilizes continuous electroluminescent strips of indeterminate length to provide an uninterrupted illuminated path to a target destination such as an egress exit. Powering means responsive to an activation stimulus means are provided to illuminate the electroluminescent strip. Means are provided for self diagnostic testing to carry out one or more sub-system tests to detect system operation within predetermined operating parameters and means provide an alerting indicator in response to a sub-system test detecting a system operation failure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to path marking andlighting systems and methods and deals more particularly withelectroluminescent (EL)continuous uninterrupted illuminated path markingand lighting systems and methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There have been many attempts and systems proposed to providepath marking and lighting systems to provide directional assistance inboth emergency and non-emergency applications. Typical emergencyguidance and lighting systems in buildings are centralized and oftencharacterized by the presence of a spotlight or pair of spotlights alsocommonly referred to as “bug eyes” that are mounted toward the ceilingon a wall and contain a battery which is rechargeable from an AC supply.These emergency lights are illuminated throughout the building upon lossof AC power or receipt of an external input signal. There are a numberof problems and disadvantages associated with point source illuminationdevices such as the “bug eyes” lighting systems in both emergency andnon-emergency applications. One common disadvantage is the inability toinsure the adequacy and integrity of the lighting system particularly asused for emergency lighting due to infrequent, incomplete or missedinspections by regulatory personnel. In instances when such inspectionsare made, the location of the “bug eyes” lights are such that inspectorscannot reach them to perform tests of the battery reserve which requiresoperating test buttons for periods of an hour or more. A furtherdisadvantage of “bug eyes” emergency lighting is the inability toprovide adequate light intensity at floor levels for egress pathlighting particularly in the presence of smoke. A number of systems havebeen proposed for illuminating exit paths on the wall just above thefloor or at floor level recognizing the smoke from a fire will generallyobscure light higher up in the room and because crawling below the smokeis often recommended as the safest means of escape. U.S. Pat. No.5,343,375, granted Aug. 30, 1994 to Gross et al. teaches an emergencylighting strip comprising strings of spaced LED's electrically connectedin series in a mounting bracket and a number of strips are used alongthe path to provide markings. The LED strip lamps of Gross are limitedin length complex and do not provide a continuous uninterruptedilluminated path and consume high amounts of power to operate. A 200foot length of the Gross LED strip lamp would require approximately 108amperes and be made up of approximately 5400 LED's having 10,800electrical connections.

[0003] Continuous uninterrupted illuminated path marking and lightsystems that are automatically triggered are particularly well suited toorganizations and individuals caring for people with inhibited functionssuch as developmentally disabled, traumatic brain injury, psychiatricproblems, physically disabled, vision impaired or Alzheimer's patients.Typically these individuals can live somewhat autonomously given theproper tools and assisted living devices including means for orientingthe individual in the darkness and guiding the individual safely to therestroom and back to their bedroom. It would be desirable therefore toprovide a fully integrated, motion activated path marking and lightingsystem to provide continuous uninterrupted illuminated path marking anddesignated area lighting for use in special care facilities, grouphomes, hospitals and other areas.

[0004] It is further desirable to provide such a path marking andlighting system in indoor areas where directional lighting is requiredthat can also be integrated with light sensitive or motion sensitivephotoelectric cells, smoke detectors and other such sensors. It isfurther desirable to provide a path marking and lighting system thatovercomes the problems associated with other known linear illuminationsystems including source lighting, LED's, incandescent and fiber opticlighting. Electroluminescent (EL) lamp strips and panels manufacturedand sold by Applicant under the trade name “FLATLITE®” provide acontinuous uninterrupted illuminated path. The nature of the FLATLITE®electroluminescent product as a lambertian emitter causes limitedimpairment of night vision and does not dilate the pupils. This makesthe product more valuable as a path marking and lighting system than anypoint source based system such as, for example, LED's, incandescent or“bug eyes” lighting devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In accordance with the invention a pathway marking and lightingsystem is presented and includes a continuous electroluminescent stripof indeterminate length for providing an uninterrupted illuminated path;powering means responsive to an actuation stimulus means forilluminating the electroluminescent strip; self-diagnostic testing meansfor carrying out one or more sub-system tests to detect system operationwithin predetermined operating parameters; and means for providing analerting indicator in response to a sub-system test detecting a systemoperation failure.

[0006] Preferably, the electroluminescent strip is a split electrodeelectroluminescent lamp.

[0007] Preferably, the electroluminescent strip width is in the range ofone-quarter inch.

[0008] Preferably, the electroluminescent strip width is in the range ofone-quarter inch to two inches.

[0009] Preferably, the electroluminescent strip power consumption is inthe range of less than 0.05 watts per lineal foot.

[0010] Preferably, the electroluminescent strip is foldable to changedirection of the uninterrupted illuminated path.

[0011] Preferably, the uninterrupted illuminated path follows along alower wall surface juxtapositioned the walking surface.

[0012] Preferably, the uninterrupted illuminated path follows along andis coextensive with the walking surface.

[0013] Preferably, the uninterrupted illuminated path follows a stairrailing in a stairwell.

[0014] Preferably, the electroluminescent strip includes embeddeddirectional indicia.

[0015] Preferably, the powering means include a battery having a voltageand electrical current capacity sufficient to illuminate theelectroluminescent strip for a predetermined time interval in compliancewith regulatory requirements for egress path marking in the event of acommercial power failure.

[0016] Preferably, the uninterrupted illuminated path follows to anegress exit.

[0017] Preferably, the uninterrupted illuminated path further includesoutlining the egress exit with said electroluminescent strip.

[0018] Preferably, the activation stimulation means includes motiondetector means.

[0019] Preferably, the activation stimulation means includes lightsensing means.

[0020] Preferably, the activation stimulation means includesweight-sensing means.

[0021] Preferably, the activation stimulation means includes alarmcontacts closure by fire alarm and safety alerting systems.

[0022] Preferably, the uninterrupted illuminated path includes outliningthe starting point of the passage way and the ending point of a passageway with the electroluminescent strip.

[0023] Preferably, the uninterrupted illuminated path provides lightingin compliance with low level lighting and path marking regulatoryrequirements.

[0024] Preferably, the continuous electroluminescent strip ofindeterminate length further comprises one or more electroluminescentstrip lengths coupled together to provide a desired length dimensionuninterrupted illuminated path.

[0025] Preferably, the powering means is coupled to one end of thecontinuous electroluminescent strips.

[0026] Preferably, the pathway marking system includes a secondcontinuous electroluminescent strip of indeterminate length adjacent thefirst continuous electroluminescent strip, the first continuouselectroluminescent strip providing an uninterrupted illuminated pathhaving a first indicia representative of the first guidance direction ofthe path, and the second continuous electroluminescent strip providingan uninterrupted path having a second indicia representative of thesecond guidance direction of the path.

[0027] Preferably, the first indicia is a first color and said secondindicia is a second color different from said first color.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Other features, benefits and advantages of the present inventionwill become readily apparent from the following written description anddrawings wherein:

[0029]FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an area illuminated with a“bug eyes” lighting system of the prior art;

[0030]FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of anelectroluminescent path marking system of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of anelectroluminescent path marking and lighting system of the presentinvention;

[0032]FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a segment of a splitelectrode electroluminescent strip used in one embodiment of the pathmarking and lighting system of the present invention to provide acontinuous uninterrupted illuminated path;

[0033]FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a pathmarking and lighting system of the present invention as it might beemployed in an assisted living environment;

[0034]FIG. 6 is a schematic functional block diagram showing onepossible implementation of the path marking and lighting system as itmight be employed in the assisted living environment described inconjunction with FIG. 5;

[0035]FIG. 7 is a schematic functional block diagram of one embodimentof a controller employed in the path marking and lighting system of thepresent invention.

[0036]FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a further embodiment of anelectroluminescent path marking and lighting system of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Turning now to the drawings and considering the invention infurther detail, a building area such as a hallway is schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 1 and generally designated 10. A “bug eyes” lightingsystem as used in the prior art is illustrated and generally designated20. The “bug eyes” light 20 is typically located on an upper portion ofa wall generally in the vicinity of an egress exit as indicatedgenerally 30 in FIG. 1. The operation of “bug eyes” lighting systems aregenerally well understood in the art and typically include arechargeable battery to activate the illumination in response to anemergency signal such as a fire alarm or in response to a commercialpower failure. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the “bug eyes” lighting deviceprovides light as indicated by the rays 22, 22 to illuminate the area inthe vicinity of the exit. As indicated above, “bug eyes” lightingsystems of the prior art are not satisfactory to provide directionalguidance in emergencies since the light 22 is dispersed by smoke anddoes not provide the desired intensity at the floor level.

[0038] Turning to FIG. 2. a schematic illustration of one embodiment ofan electroluminescent path marking and light system embodying thepresent invention is illustrated therein as it may be employed in ahallway area to provide directional guidance to an egress exit. In FIG.2, electroluminescent strips 52, 52 are provided along the wall in thearea of the intersection of the wall with the floor typically on or justabove a baseboard to mark a continuous uninterrupted illuminated pathfor directional guidance to the egress exit generally designated 54. Theegress exit 54 is also outlined with a continuous electroluminescentstrip 56 to outline the egress exit 54 for directional guidancepurposes. The electroluminescent strip 56 outlining the egress exit 54may be of a different color such as green or blue in contrast to thecolor of the path marking electroluminescent strip 52 which is typicallywhite as a further aid to assist in the directional guidance. Theelectroluminescent path marking and lighting system as illustrated inFIG. 2 additionally supplements the emergency exit systems typicallyemployed in the building structures. As illustrated in FIG. 2, theegress exit 54 includes an exit sign 60 which typically is illuminatedto provide directional guidance in accordance with the requirements ofthe Underwriters Laboratory Standard for Safety as listed in UL994. Theexit sign 60 may also be powered from and as part of theelectroluminescent path marking and lighting system. Such exit signs 60are well know to those skilled in the art. The activation of theelectroluminescent strips 52, 52, 56 may be tied into and activated bythe emergency systems in place in the building structure, such asresponse to fire alarms, commercial AC power failure, or other suchactivating stimulus. Once such system with which the present inventionmay be used is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/852,676titled “Distributed Emergency Lighting System Having Self-Testing andDiagnostic Capabilities” and assigned to the same Assignee at thepresent invention and the disclosure of which application isincorporated herein by reference.

[0039] The electroluminescent path marking and lighting system of thepresent invention may also be used to provide low level lighting inaccordance with the requirements of the Underwriters Laboratory Standardfor Safety for low level path marking and lighting systems as listed inUL 1994 and is illustrated schematically in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, anelectroluminescent strip generally designated 80 is provided on a lowerportion 82 of the wall surface approximately in the vicinity of theintersection of the wall surface and the floor 84 to provideillumination on the floor for visibility in high smoke environments. Thewidth 86 of the electroluminescent strip 80 is selected to provide thedesired illumination intensity that the floor level 84 in accordancewith the UL 1994 requirements. The electroluminescent strip 80 not onlyprovides a long continuous uninterrupted illuminated path but alsoprovides the desired low level lighting to assist an individual toidentify and locate an egress exit. Preferably, the width 86 of theelectroluminescent strip 80 is in the range of one-quarter inch to twoinches although the continuous electroluminescent strip is available inany width dimension up to and including twenty-four inches in continuousrolls of over 700 feet in length. Accordingly, the specific widthdimension selected will be dictated by the specific path marking andlighting requirements.

[0040] Turning now to FIG. 4, a schematic representation of a segment ofa split electroluminescent strip as used in the path marking andlighting system of the present invention to provide a continuousuninterrupted illuminated path is illustrated therein and generallydesignated 100. The electroluminescent lamp material comprising theelectroluminescent strip is available from E-Lite Technologies, Inc, theApplicant in the present invention, under the trade name “FLATLITE®”.The electroluminescent strip is a split electrode parallel plateconstruction which allows the electroluminescent strip to be extremelylong up to approximately 700 feet with low electrical current anduniform brightness, for example, a 200 foot, one-half inch wideelectroluminescent strip draws less than one-half ampere of electricalcurrent. The reader may consult the product description literature anddesign and application guidelines for the “FLATLITE®” electroluminescentstrip product for specifications and operating parameters and a copy ofwhich literature and guidelines are attached hereto and incorporated byreference. Details of the manufacture of the electroluminescent stripare found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,019,748 assigned to the same Assignee asthe present invention and titled “Method for Making AnElectroluminescent Panel Lamp as Well as Panel Lamp Produced Thereby”and application Ser No. 09/888,954 also assigned to the same Assignee asthe present invention titled “Method and Apparatus for Making LargeScale Laminated Foil Backed Electroluminescent Lamp Material, as Well asthe Electroluminescent Lamps and Strip Lamps Produced Therefrom”, bothof which disclosures are incorporated herein by reference. Theelectroluminescent strip 100 typically has a protective laminate 102,104 at either side of the strip and is approximately one-eighth inchwide so that the strip is approximately one-quarter inch greater thanthe nominal lamp width 106. The electroluminescent strip 100 may bepowered from both ends 108, 110, or either end or at multiple pointsalong the electroluminescent strip in accordance with the poweringrequirements as set forth and defined in the FLATLITE®electroluminescent lamp specifications. Powering from both ends or atmultiple points along the electroluminescent strip adds to therobustness of the system, provides an additional degree of reliabilityand redundancy in the event the electroluminescent strip is cut orsevered due to building damage or other reasons. Electrical connectionsto and from the FLATLITE® electroluminescent strip are made with leadconnectors and tools made specifically for the purpose and availablefrom the Applicant E-Lite Technologies, Inc and such connectors andtools are described in Applicant's literature titled “How to ConnectFLATLITE® Electroluminescent Lamps”, a copy of which is attached heretoand incorporated by reference. A further feature of theelectroluminescent strip utilized with the path marking and lightingsystem of the present invention is the electroluminescent strip 100 isflexible and may be bent to accommodate folding around inside andoutside corners, for example, around the corners of a doorway or arounda corner of a wall surface. The electroluminescent strip 100 may alsopass over or under objects in a continuous manner as required. Theelectroluminescent strip 100 may also pass over or under objects in acontinuous manner as required. Thus the FLATLITE® electroluminescentstrip provides flexibility for application to any surface area andconfiguration.

[0041] Turning now to FIG. 5, a schematic illustration of a furtherembodiment of a path marking and lighting system of the presentinvention as it might be employed in an assisted living environment isillustrated therein and generally designated 200. As illustrated, FIG. 5represents a number of doorways 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212 fronting ina hallway area generally designated 214 of indeterminate length andshown terminating at the intersection 216 of a subsequent hallway havinga door or other room or entry generally designated 218. A strip ofelectroluminescent material 220 is located along the hallway 214 at thebaseboard level to provide a continuous uninterrupted illuminated pathwhen activated along the hallway 214 to the door 218. The door 218 mayfurther be outlined with an electroluminescent strip 222 to furtherassist in the directional guidance of an individual along the hallway214. In this embodiment, each of the respective doors 202-212 are alsooutlined with an electroluminescent strip 230-240 respectively, toprovide directional guidance to the respective entries as furtherdescribed below.

[0042] For purposes of example, the path marking and lighting system 200illustrated in FIG. 5 is an automatically triggered path marking andlighting system for orienting an individual in darkness and guiding theindividual to a predetermined target destination, for example, arestroom, and then safely back to their point of origination such astheir bedroom. If by way of example, each of the door entries 202-212respectively, lead to individual bedrooms for example as may be found inan assisted living center, convalescent home, or other such facility,area illumination and directional guidance is particularly importantespecially in night time hours. In this embodiment, the path marking andlighting system is activated by a photoelectric sensor (not illustrated)preferably located outdoors of the living residence to avoid falsetriggering by lights turning on and off and which photoelectric andwhich photoelectric sensor operates at a predetermined level ofdarkness. The basic system comprising the electroluminescent strips 220,220 and the electroluminescent strip 222 surrounding the door 218 areactivated and provide illumination when the predetermined level ofdarkness is reached. In this situation an individual exiting one of theentries 202, 212 respectively, would be guided to the door 218 via theelectroluminescent strips 220 at the baseboard level and theelectroluminescent strip 222 illuminated outlining the door 218. If itis considered that the door 218 leads to a restroom for example, alarger panel of the FLATLITE® electroluminescent material may beinstalled on the ceiling of the restroom for lighting the room withoutthe need to activate the primary lighting of the restroom. The ceilinglighting may be activated when the predetermined level of darkness isreached as detected by the photoelectric sensor or may be activated inresponse to some other stimulus such as a motion detector or othersensor. Preferably, the illumination provided by the FLATLITE®electroluminescent material installed on the restroom ceiling provideslow level lighting any time the system is activated by the photoelectricsensor. If the full lighting intensity of the primary lighting system inthe restroom is required, the low level lighting from the FLATLITE®electroluminescent material installed on the restroom ceiling will allowthe person to easily navigate to operate the primary lighting systemlight switch.

[0043] In a further embodiment, each of the respective strips 230-240are individually activated via sensing means located within the roomarea generally designated 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, respectivelysuch that the electroluminescent strip is illuminated upon activity ormotion of an individual in the room area. For example, an individual maybe detected via a motion detector or a weight sensing pad located on thefloor, for example, beside a bed so that the individual's movement asdetected by the motion detector or sensed by a weight sensing pad willactivate the corresponding strip 230-240 in addition to the hallwaypathway marking electroluminescent strips 220 to guide the individual tothe destination or target area, for example, a restroom indicated by theilluminated electroluminescent strip 222. When the individual attemptsto return to their room, the corresponding illuminatedelectroluminescent strip outlining the respective room areacorresponding to the individual is illuminated and serves as directionalguidance for the individual back to their respective room. Upondetecting motion within the room the corresponding electroluminescentstrip outlining the doorway extinguishes after a time delay. If multipleindividuals are up and exit their room areas at the time the others haveexited their room areas, their respective doorways may be illuminatedwith different color electroluminescent strips so that the individualrecognizes their room and will return to the correct room. Likewise, ifthere are different restrooms for example, men's and women's rooms theylikewise may be identified by a different color electroluminescent stripoutlining the respective doorways. In addition to providing directionalguidance, the path marking and lighting system of the present inventioncan also be used for monitoring by the caregivers or individualsresponsible for the people in the residence wherein the sensor means inaddition to activating the light in the room and providing directionalguidance can further activate an indicator light or other indicatormeans at the central monitoring station for example, a nurse's station.The responsible caregiver may visually look down the hallway to seewhich doorway is illuminated to determine from which particular room anindividual has exited or is up and out of bed as the case may be andrespond accordingly.

[0044] The room areas may further have a larger panel of the FLATLITE®electroluminescent material installed within the room area to providelow level lighting which could be automatically triggered and activatedby the movement of the individual within the room to provide adequatelighting for the individual to walk about without turning on the primaryroom lighting. In addition, an attendant or caregiver entering the roomfor example, would be detected by the motion detector which wouldilluminate the FLATLITE® electroluminescent panel to provide sufficientlighting to allow the caregiver or attendant to inspect the interior ofthe room or to administer to the individual in the room without turningon the primary lighting. The FLATLITE® electroluminescent materialwhether in panel form to provide low level lighting or in strip form maybe installed utilizing known extrusions, for example, clear, transparentnon-metallic raceway systems manufactured by WireMold or other systemsnow known or future developed. In addition, the FLATLITE®electroluminescent material may be provided with a releasable adhesivebacking and held in place on the wall surface or other desired surfaceareas. Other suitable mounting means now known or future developed arealso contemplated.

[0045] Turning now to FIG. 6, a schematic functional block diagramshowing one possible implementation of the path marking and lightingsystem of the present invention as it might be employed in the assistedliving environment described in conjunction with FIG. 5 is illustratedtherein and generally designated 300. The system 300 includes acontroller 302 coupled to a source of commercial AC power 304 and whichprovides power at its output 306 for powering the electroluminescent lowlevel lighting panel and electroluminescent strips. The power providedat the output 306 is of the appropriate voltage and frequency toilluminate the FLATLITE® electroluminescent material and which powerrequirements are provided in the specification and operating data sheetsfor the FLATLITE® electroluminescent material and to which data sheetsand to which the leader is referred to for additional details and whichdata sheets are incorporated herein by reference. Each of the room areasincludes a motion/smoke detector 308, 308 having an input 310 coupled tothe power output lead 306 of the controller 302. Alternately or inaddition to the motion/smoke detector 308, a weight sensing pad 309 maybe used to detect the presence of an individual. The controller 302provides power at its output 306 in response to the output of aphotosensor 312 indicating that a predetermined level of darkness hasbeen reached and which photosensor 312 provides its output to the input314 of the controller 302. Upon detection of movement or other alarmconditions such as smoke, the motion/smoke detector 308 transfers powerfrom its input 310 to the room electroluminescent low level FLATLITE®lighting panel 316 via the lead 318. Likewise, power is transferred tothe room doorway electroluminescent strip 320 via the lead 322 toilluminate the electroluminescent strip. Power is also provided to thehallway/area electroluminescent low level FLATLITE® lighting panels 330via the lead 332 coupled to the input 334. Power is also provided to thehallway electroluminescent path marking strips 336 via the input 338coupled to the lead 332. The controller 302 is also responsive to analarm signal at is input 340 generated by an external alarm device 342which may be a standard fire alarm system output signal or some othersupervisory output signal. In response to the alarm 342, the controller302 provides power on the lead 344 to the input 346 of the roomelectroluminescent low level FLATLITE® lighting panel 316 and to theinput 348 of the room doorway electroluminescent strip 320 to illuminatethe low level lighting and the electroluminescent strip in response toan alarm condition.

[0046] The controller 302 includes battery means 344 to provide powerfor the electroluminescent low level lighting panels and theelectroluminescent strips in the event of a commercial AC power failure.The controller 302 also includes diagnostic means 346 for carrying outsub-system tests, monitoring of system components and operationproviding alarm indication and signaling both locally and remotely fromthe controller location monitoring the condition and charge capacitystatus of the battery to insure the battery maintains adequate charge tooperate the system and to communicate alarm conditions and system statusas required.

[0047] Turning now to FIG. 7, a schematic functional block diagram oneembodiment of a controller employed in the path marking and lightingsystem of the present invention is illustrated therein and generallydesignated 400. The controller 400 includes an electroluminescent powersupply generally designated 402 which operates from a DC voltage input404 and provides the appropriate AC voltage and current at its output406 to power FLATLITE® electroluminescent material connected to theoutput 408 of the controller. The electroluminescent power supply 402 isavailable from E-Lite Technologies, Inc., the Applicant in the presentinvention. The controller 400 operates from a commercial AC power source410 which may be conventional 110 volt/220 volt AC power. The commercialAC power source 410 is coupled to the input 412 of the controller 400and is further coupled to the input 414 of a 12 volt DC power supply 416and which automatically selects between the 110/220 volt input toprovide 12 volt DC voltage potential at its output 418 which is coupledto the input 420 of an automatic transfer-to-battery switch circuitmeans 422 which provides the 12 volt DC voltage potential at its output424. The output 424 is coupled to the input 404 of theelectroluminescent power supply 402. The 12 volt DC power supply 416also provides a 12 volt DC voltage potential at the output 426 which iscoupled to the input 428 of a trickle charger circuit means 430. Thetrickle charger means 430 provides a 12 volt DC voltage potential andappropriate charging current at its output 432 which is coupled to theinput terminals 434 of 12 volt batteries 436. The 12 volt batteries 436are typically 12 volt lead acid batteries and have a reserve capacity ofapproximately 6 ampere hours. The actual reserve capacity is dependenton the power load of the path marking and lighting system. The battery436 output 438 is coupled to the input 440 of theauto-transfer-to-battery switch circuit means 422 in the event of acommercial AC power failure, the auto-transfer-to-battery switch circuitmeans 422 transfers the DC voltage at the input 440 to its output 424coupled to the input 404 of the electroluminescent power supply 402 tooperate and power the FLATLITE® electroluminescent low voltage lightingand path marking strips for a time interval in compliance with therequirements set forth in the regulatory requirements for UnderwritersLaboratories and also in compliance with local requirements. In order toinsure that the 12 volt batteries 436 have sufficient capacity reserveto operate the electroluminescent low level lighting and path markingstrips for the required time intervals, a battery test is applied eithermanually by operating a switch at the input 442 to the controller whichis coupled to the input 444 of the battery test load circuit means 446which provides an electrical load to the batteries 436 via the lead 448coupled through the auto-transfer-to-battery switch circuit means 422 tothe batteries via the lead 450. The battery test load circuit means 446includes processing means to apply a programmed power load proportionalin time to the load presented by the electroluminescent low levellighting and electroluminescent path marking strips for the time periodrequired in the regulatory specifications to maintain the lighting. Thevoltage of the battery sensed at the conclusion of the power programdetermines the status of the battery capacity and the success of thecharging circuit to maintain the battery at the required reservecapacity. The sensing is done via the lead 450 through theauto-transfer-to-battery switch circuit means 422 back to the batterytest load circuit means 446 via the lead 448. The test is carried out ina matter of minutes rather than through the holding of a test button forextended periods of time between one hour and two hours as required inprior art systems.

[0048] A diagnostic testing/monitoring circuit means 452 receivessignals from the various components and has in some instancesbi-directional communication with the various components in order carryout the testing and monitoring functions. Input 454 of the diagnosticcircuit means 452 is coupled to the AC power source to sense thepresence or absence of the commercial AC power input. Input 456 iscoupled to the auto-transfer-to-battery switch circuit means 422 at theinput 458 to monitor the test status of the auto-transfer circuit. Input460 of the diagnostic testing/monitoring circuit 452 is coupled to thebattery testing load circuit means 446 at its input 462 and monitors thestatus of the testing, the resulting conclusion of the testing, andother relevant data signals provided by the processing means of thebattery test load circuit means 446. Input 464 of the diagnostictesting/monitoring circuit means 452 is coupled to the 12 volt DC inputto the electroluminescent power supply 402 and monitors the status andpresence of the 12 volt DC input. The output voltage of theelectroluminescent power supply is monitored by the diagnostictesting/monitoring circuit means 452 via the lead 466 coupled betweenthe output 406 and the input 468. The status of the alarm interfacecircuit means 470 is monitored via the lead 472 coupled between thealarm interface circuit means and the input 474 of the diagnostictesting/monitoring circuit means 452. The alarm interface circuit means470 receives an input signal via lead 476 coupled to the input 478 ofthe controller 400 and which alarm signal may be a standard fire alarmsystem or other standard building alerting systems. The alarm interfacecircuit means 470 also has an output 480 coupled to the input 482 of theelectroluminescent power supply 402 which may be used to override anysensing devices coupled to the controller 400. A photocell interfacecircuit means 484 is coupled via the lead 486 to the input 488 of thecontroller 400 to receive a signal from an external photosensorindicating that a predetermined level of darkness is reached. Thephotocell interface circuit means 484 provides an activation signal tothe input 490 of the electroluminescent power supply 402 via the lead492 to enable the electroluminescent power supply 402 to provide thedesired output voltage at the controller output 408.

[0049] The controller 400 also includes a trouble and status recordingcircuit means 500 which is coupled to the diagnostic testing/monitoringcircuit means 452 via the leads 502, 504 to send an receive datainformation and alerting signals to and from the diagnostictesting/monitoring circuit means 452. The trouble and status recordingcircuit means 500 has an output 506 coupled to an audio/visible alarmoutput means 508 via the lead 510 to cause the audio/visible alarmoutput means 508 to produce an appropriate signal at its output 512 todrive external alarms, indicators, and other signaling devices coupledto the output 514 of the controller 400. The audio/visible alarm outputmeans 508 also has an output 516 coupled to an input 518 of thediagnostic testing/monitoring circuit means 452. The trouble and statusrecording circuit means 500 further includes means coupled via itsoutput 520 to the input 522 of a display readout means 524 which may bein the form of LED's, LCD displays, or other readout devices typicallyknown in the art. The display readout 524 may be operated manually ormay be automatic to provide an alpha/numeric/graphic representation ofthe information provided at the output 520. The information may includea readout of the system status, trouble history, error codes or otherinformation typically used in the maintenance and monitoring of anelectrical system. The display readout means 524 also has an output 526to provide this information to external devices coupled to the output528 of the controller 400. Alternately, the trouble and status recordingcircuit means 500 may have an output 530 coupled to a modem 532 totransmit information regarding the system present at its input 534 viaits output 536 coupled to the output 538 of the controller to transferthis information to external devices connected thereto. Alternately, themodem may be a dial-up or telephone type modem operating over standardtelephone signal wires or alternately may be a cellular type modemoperating in a wireless manner well known to those skilled in the art.The output 538 may further be connected directly to the global computernetwork (internet) to transfer information as required. The above andother types of signaling and signaling systems to provide off sitesignaling or off site monitoring are well known to those skilled in theart and the invention contemplates usage of devices now known or futuredeveloped.

[0050] The diagnostic testing/monitoring circuit means 452 also monitorsthe battery condition to provide a fail safe operating mode to indicateif the batteries 436 had been activated and discharged in the absence ofpersonnel being present. An appropriate alarm signal would be generatedvia the trouble and status recording circuit means 500 and audio/visiblealarm output means 508 indicating the batteries are discharged beyond anacceptable level. The path marking and lighting system could be broughtoff-line and alarm signals transmitted to appropriate personnel to alertthem the AC power has failed and the batteries require changing.

[0051] Turning now to FIG. 8, a schematic illustration of a furtherembodiment of an electroluminescent path marking and lighting system ofthe present invention is illustrated therein and generally designated600. The electroluminescent strip may include embedded indicia and forexample, an electroluminescent strip 602 is illustrated along a wallsurface and includes indicia indicated as direction arrows 604, 604embedded in the electroluminescent strip surface. The arrows 604 may beof a different color to contrast with the illuminated electroluminescentstrip 602 to provide the directional guidance to the egress doorindicated generally at 606. The arrows 604, 604 may likewise be made ofthe electroluminescent material however of a different color that alsois illuminated along with the electroluminescent strip 602 to providebetter visibility and direction. The electroluminescent strip may alsobe applied as part of the walking surface and is generally designated610. The electroluminescent strip 610 may also include indicia such asthe direction arrows 612, 612 to provide directional guidance to anindividual attempting to locate the egress door 606. A furtherdirectional guidance may be achieved by utilizing a first continuouselectroluminescent strip 620 mounted on the wall surface juxtapositionedto the floor surface 622 and leading to the egress door 606. A secondcontinuous electroluminescent strip 624 is mounted adjacent to the firstelectroluminescent strip 620 also leading to the egress door 606. Thefirst electroluminescent strip 620 may contain a first indicia to assistin directional guidance and the electroluminescent strip 624 may containa second indicia different than the first indicia for directionalguidance. The first indicia may be one color representing thedirectional of the path to the egress door 606 and the secondelectroluminescent path 624 may have a second indicia which may be acolor different than the first color and indicates a direction oppositeto that of the first guidance direction. The ability to illuminate oneor the other of the continuous electroluminescent strips 620, 624 isparticularly important in more modem building wherein the alarm andemergency egress systems are computer controlled and it is desired tolead an individual in a preferred given direction for purposes of safetyand egress. For example, if the fire for example were behind the egressdoor 606 the appropriate electroluminescent strips 620, 624 would beilluminated to indicate the exit direction should be opposite from theegress door 606 to another egress door within the prescribed building.

[0052] A path marking and lighting system has been described above inseveral preferred embodiments for purposes of illustration of thepresent invention. Numerous changes, additions and modifications may bemade by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention and therefore the invention has been described byway of illustration rather than limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pathway marking system, comprising: acontinuous electroluminescent strip of indeterminate length forproviding an uninterrupted illuminated path; powering means responsiveto an actuation stimulus means for illuminating said electroluminescentstrip; self-diagnostic testing means for carrying out one or moresub-system tests to detect system operation within predeterminedoperating parameters; and means for providing an alerting indicator inresponse to a sub-system test detecting a system operation failure. 2.The pathway marking system as defined in claim 1 wherein saidelectroluminescent strip is a split electrode electroluminescent lamp.3. The pathway marking system as defined in claim 1 wherein theelectroluminescent strip width is in the range of one-quarter inch. 4.The pathway marking system as defined in claim 1 wherein theelectroluminescent strip width is in the range of one-quarter inch totwo inches.
 5. The pathway marking system as defined in claim 3 whereinthe electroluminescent strip power consumption is in the range of lessthan 0.05 watts per lineal foot.
 6. The pathway marking system asdefined in claim 1 wherein the electroluminescent strip is foldable tochange direction of the uninterrupted illuminated path.
 7. The pathwaymarking system as defined in claim 1 wherein the uninterruptedilluminated path follows along a lower wall surface juxtapositioned thewalking surface.
 8. The pathway marking system as defined in claim 1wherein the uninterrupted illuminated path follows along and iscoextensive with the walking surface.
 9. The pathway marking system asdefined in claim 1 wherein the uninterrupted illuminated path follows astair railing in a stairwell.
 10. The pathway marking system as definedin claim 1 wherein said electroluminescent strip includes embeddeddirectional indicia.
 13. The pathway marking system as defined in claim1 wherein said powering means include a battery having a voltage andelectrical current capacity sufficient to illuminate saidelectroluminescent strip for a predetermined time interval in compliancewith regulatory requirements for egress path marking in the event of acommercial power failure.
 11. The pathway marking system as defined inclaim 1 wherein the uninterrupted illuminated path follows to an egressexit.
 12. The pathway marking system as defined in claim 1 wherein theuninterrupted illuminated path further includes outlining the egressexit with said electroluminescent strip.
 14. The pathway marking systemas defined in claim 1 wherein said activation stimulation means includesmotion detector means.
 15. The pathway marking system as defined inclaim 1 wherein said activation stimulation means includes light sensingmeans.
 16. The pathway marking system as defined in claim 1 wherein saidactivation stimulation means includes weight sensing means.
 17. Thepathway marking system as defined in claim 1 wherein said activationstimulation means includes alarm contacts closure by fire alarm andsafety alerting systems.
 18. The pathway marking system as defined inclaim 1 wherein the uninterrupted illuminated path includes outliningthe starting point of the passage way and the ending point of a passageway with said electroluminescent strip.
 19. The pathway marking systemas defined in claim 1 wherein said uninterrupted illuminated pathprovides lighting in compliance with low level lighting and path markingregulatory requirements.
 20. The pathway marking system as defined inclaim 1 wherein said continuous electroluminescent strip ofindeterminate length further comprises one or more electroluminescentstrip lengths coupled together to provide a desired length dimensionuninterrupted illuminated path.
 21. The pathway marking system asdefined in claim 1 wherein said powering means is coupled to one end ofsaid continuous electroluminescent strips.
 22. The pathway markingsystem and defined in claim 1 further including a second continuouselectroluminescent strip of indeterminate length adjacent the firstcontinuous electroluminescent strip, said first continuouselectroluminescent strip providing an uninterrupted illuminated pathhaving a first indicia representative of the first guidance direction ofthe path, and said second continuous electroluminescent strip providingan uninterrupted path having a second indicia representative of thesecond guidance direction of the path.
 23. The pathway making system asdefined in claim 21 wherein said first indicia is a first color and saidsecond indicia is a second color different from said first color.